Norfolk, Virginia — The American South (Mid-Atlantic)

Frank J. (Skeeter) Scalzi

(1913-1984)

— Tidewater Baseball Shrine —

Frank J. (Skeeter) Scalzi Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Brandon D Cross, July 18, 2025

1. Frank J. (Skeeter) Scalzi Marker

Inscription. Born Lafferty, Ohio, graduated University of Alabama, roomed with Mel Allen, all time great Yankee Broadcaster, and formed lifetime friendship with immortal Bear Bryant.

The fiery 5’6” shortstop, in his second pro season at Springfield, Ohio, led Middle Atlantic League with .377 Average, amazing 42 Doubles, 34 HR’s and 355 Total Bases.

Declared free agent by Commissioner Landis after 1939 contract mishandling by Cleveland, got only Major League chance hitting .333 in 11 games with 1939 N.Y. Giants.

After 3 years in Navy, began began 14 year managing career that brought him to Portsmouth in 1949. Won pennant there in 1950 and with Norfolk in 1954. Cagey maneuvers and flamboyant style made him all time Tidewater favorite.

Headed for top with White Sox chain (1956-60) when crippling auto crash ended his career.

Erected by Norfolk Tides.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Sports. A significant historical year for this entry is 1954.

Location. 36° 50.596′ N, 76° 16.718′ W. Marker is in Norfolk, Virginia. It is on Park Avenue 0.1 miles north of Water Street, on the right when traveling

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north. The marker is located on the main concourse of Harbor Park baseball stadium. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 150 Park Avenue, Norfolk VA 23510, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in Virginia’s Hampton Roads,

specifically in Coastal Virginia,

and in the Hampton Roads Metropolitan Area.

It is also in the American South,

specifically in the Upper South,

in the Tidewater,

and on the Eastern Seaboard. Globally, it is in the North Atlantic Region,

North America,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once the territory of the Mississippian Culture,

one of the original Thirteen Colonies,

one of the Confederate States of America,

and the Antebellum South.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Sam Allen (here, next to this marker); Tony Guzzo (here, next to this marker); Wayne Gomes (here, next to this marker); Edward Mayo Smith (here, next to this marker); Carr E. Smith (here, next to this marker); William F. (Bill) Skiff, Sr. (here,

Photographed by Brandon D Cross

2. Frank J. (Skeeter) Scalzi Marker

next to this marker); Vincent A. (Vinnie) Smith (here, next to this marker); Charles K. (Chuck) Stobbs (here, next to this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Norfolk.

Regarding Frank J. (Skeeter) Scalzi. The Tidewater Baseball Shrine recognizes players and executives who have significantly contributed to the game of baseball in the Tidewater area of Virginia.
The shrine is located at Harbor Park, which is home to the Norfolk Tides, a AAA minor league baseball team affiliated with the Baltimore Orioles.The Norfolk Tides annually induct new members into the shrine.

Also see . . .
1. Frank “Skeeter” Scalzi: productive 11 game MLB career - hit .333, roomed with both Bear Bryant and M. (Submitted on July 30, 2025, by Brandon D Cross of Flagler Beach, Florida.)
2. Norfolk Tars. (Submitted on July 30, 2025, by Brandon D Cross of Flagler Beach, Florida.)

Frank Scalzi image. Click for full size.

Public Domain

3. Frank Scalzi

Credits. This page was last revised on August 7, 2025. It was originally submitted on July 30, 2025, by Brandon D Cross of Flagler Beach, Florida. This page has been viewed 90 times since then and 17 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on July 30, 2025, by Brandon D Cross of Flagler Beach, Florida. • Andrew Ruppenstein was the editor who published this page.